The bill, introduced by Representative Hickland, amends the Family Code to allow courts to order retroactive child support starting from the date of a child's conception. It establishes a presumption that it is in the child's best interest for such support to be ordered, which can be determined by a physician or through other evidence presented in court. Additionally, the bill allows courts to require obligors to cover an equitable portion of prenatal and postnatal health care expenses for both the mother and child, and mandates that the court confirm the total amount of retroactive child support owed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding paternity and child support obligations. It clarifies that if a court establishes a man's paternity or child support obligation, it must order retroactive support as per the new guidelines. The bill also repeals a previous section of the Family Code related to these matters. Importantly, the changes apply only to orders and acknowledgments of paternity made after the bill's effective date, ensuring that prior cases remain governed by the laws in effect at the time they were rendered or executed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 154.131, Family Code 160.636 (Family Code 160, Family Code 154)